Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child suffering from Erb's palsy could have devastating consequences for families. If you suspect that medical negligence led to your child's brachial injury during birth, call an Erb's palsy law firm for free consultation.

An attorney will evaluate your case and calculate future medical expenses to determine your estimated value for your case. This will allow you determine the worth of your claim to the possibility of settling.

Causes

Erb's Palsy is caused by damage to a bundle of nerves near the neck (the brachial plexus). These nerves regulate shoulder, arm and hand movements, as well as sensation. People suffering from the condition experience weakness, numbness or paralysis in one arm and shoulder.

This condition is caused by a variety of medical errors made during the labor and delivery. This includes the use of forceps, an unplanned C-section, or a doctor using an extractor vacuum to deliver the baby vaginally. However, the majority of cases of erb's syndrome can be prevented. Midwives, doctors, nurses and Erb's Palsy Law Firm doctors, as well as other medical professionals, are accountable to ensure a high standard of care in the birthing area. They must ensure the baby's shoulders are delivered through the vaginal canal, and ensure that they do not become stuck or get lodged within the pelvic bone of the mother's.

Some researchers suggest that Erb's palsy can be the result of contractions during pregnancy or the position of pregnant women. These theories haven't been confirmed. Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind that to win a medical malpractice case plaintiffs must show that the doctor's aversion to accepted practices was the primary cause of their injury.

A birth injury lawyer can help you if you believe that your child has suffered an injury that could have been prevented, such as Erb's paralysis. A successful lawsuit can award your family with financial compensation to pay for the medical costs of your child and give you a sense closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's palsy results from injuries to the brachial plexus which is a nerve network in the arm and shoulder. The nerves could be stretched or strained by the difficulty of delivering. Symptoms of this condition include weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are responsible to diagnose the condition immediately.

Difficulties in childbirth are the most frequent reason for this. The problem is usually caused by a fetus's size is greater than expected for vaginal delivery or when the baby's shoulders are snared during birth. This is known as shoulder dystocia, and is a major risk factor for Erb's palsy.

If a doctor applies excessive force or fails to detect the shoulder dystocia, it could result in injury to the upper nerves in the brachial plexus. Erb's palsy can result. If the doctor was negligent, he or she can be held responsible for any permanent harm.

To be able to win a medical malpractice case you must show that the doctor's deviance from the accepted practices caused your injuries. In the case of Erb's palsy, you need to prove that the doctor's action or inactions resulted in your child suffering an injury to the upper brachial nerves. This is a typical claim that could result in a huge award and life-time care for your child.

Treatment

In most instances, it is better to identify and treat the condition as soon as you can. If left untreated the condition can lead to a permanent tightening of muscles (contractures) or even complete or partial paralysis. Surgery and physical therapy are the most popular treatments.

The highly experienced Erb's Palsy lawyers at Marc J. Bern & Partners explore possible lawsuits and claims on behalf of children who have brachial plexus injuries caused by medical malpractice during birth across the United States. We encourage families to ask for an assessment of their claim and an appointment for a free consultation.

While nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals are trained to safely deliver babies however, complications can occur. If complications arise the physician must act immediately to ensure the safety of mother and child. Unfortunately, a few health care professionals fail to take this step.

A doctor might need to use a certain amount force during a difficult birth to assist the baby through the birth canal. In doing so the doctor could accidentally stretch the neck of the baby which could cause damage to the nerves.

Doctors may use a variety tests, like X-rays and ultrasounds, as well as physical examination to determine the severity of the injury as well as the extent of nerve damage. A doctor can prescribe various medications to alleviate pain and discomfort, and occupational or physical therapy to restore movement.

Compensation

The cost of treatment for children suffering from Erb's Palsy can be very high. A successful lawsuit may help a family to afford the treatment they require. A lawyer who is experienced in Erb's Palsy will maximize the amount of compensation families receive.

If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, it can affect all aspects of their life. It can stop their ability to work and restrict the time they spend with their parents. It can also cause emotional distress.

Erb's palsy Law claims may be filed to cover expenses of treatment, loss of earnings, and also the impact that the injury can have upon a child's daily activities. It is also possible to claim for suffering and pain caused by the injury. The amount paid will reflect the severity of the injury.

A successful case will show that the Obstetrician was negligent. This is demonstrated by proving a deviation from the accepted procedure, and resulting in your child's injury. Every case is unique and it can take a while to settle an Erb's palsy lawsuit. Families should seek out an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline for filing an action. A lawsuit filed late could be barred by the Statute of Limitations.